April 30, 2004

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Junior Janalle Kaloi was named her team's Most Valuable Player, one of many awards handed out at the Santa Clara University women's tennis team's annual banquet, held last Saturday night at the Hungry Hunter in Lafayette. The event was held in conjunction with the Broncos' participation at the West Coast Conference Championships in nearby Moraga.

First-year head coach Tricia Guidace hosted the affair, set to honor the team's graduating senior, Jenny Siegel, and to thank the Bronco fans and supporters for a memorable season, in which SCU placed fourth at the league tournament, and finished overall with a 12-12 record.

The awards were voted on by the players and presented by team captains Siegel and Jessie Strunk. Kaloi, a third team captain, was unable to attend due to a family emergency.

Kaloi, a native of Honolulu Hawaii, led the Broncos at the No. 1 position in both singles and doubles, filling a big pair of shoes left behind by 2003 WCC Player of the Year Christine Limbers. Kaloi earned honorable mention All-WCC recognition for her successes.

Sophomore Jessie Strunk received the Most Improved Player honor. From Phoenix, Ariz., Strunk was not a regular in last year's line-up, but improved greatly, in part to workouts throughout the off-season, that earned her a starting role in the singles lineup. She brought solid wins at the No. 6 slot throughout the season.

The Rookie of the Year award was presented to freshman Kelly Leathers. Described by Guidace as "one of the biggest contributors to the success of our program this year," the Sacramento native played at No. 4 singles and No. 3 doubles and led the squad in wins while also earning honorable mention All-WCC recognition.

Sophomore Kristen Ruso was voted Most Inspirational. Unable to play due to a knee injury, the Visalia native attended practices and competitions to support her teammates.

Former players Limbers and Mariko Kawakami made a special appearance at the event.